With this Strangest of Weekends now properly behind me, I can not help but look ahead to what's next.There are myriad good things on the way -- socks that are long past due, the (veggie) bacon mittens and numerous other delights that I'm not quite sure that I'm allowed to talk about (yet.) Be assured that as soon as I can, I will.

I implore you all to stick around; I hope that you will like what you see.

Direct from my Things-I'm-Not-Supposed-to-be-Working-On File, allow me to present Subject A:Cozy sportweight socks worked in my own handspun (the grey/pink/white/blue/brown bits) and a comparable weight of Zwool from Zeilinger's in Frankenmuth, MI. Subject A has been known to answer to the name of "Walkerville."

Basic socks with a hearty cuff-- rustic and comfy and warm. Yes, there will be a pattern.

We visited Greenfield Village over the weekend. At lunch (mulligatawny + spinach egg pie + mint tea) the "proprietor" of the Eagle Tavern c. 1830 knew that we were from Sandwich (Windsor didn't exist yet.) I nearly corrected him and said that we were actually from Walkerville but quickly remembered that the town wasn't founded until 1856. I'm glad I kept my mouth shut.

I always feel vaguely out of place when approached by people in character/period dress -- like I'm letting them down somehow with my 21st century attire and devices. It's more likely that I'm just feeling left out of the fun. I had a friend once who had spent her summers working at a museum out East. She assured me (repeatedly) that wearing 18th century period dress and giving demonstrations of handspinning grew very old very quickly especially in the heat. I never really believed her -- I could never grow weary of that. The heat, now, that's a different story.

I remembered that there were a couple of graves tucked away somewhere on the grounds of the 17th century Cotswold cottage. I hadn't been there (or even really thought about it) since I was 16 years old but it suddenly all came back. It was both heartening and saddening, but I was glad to pay my respects once again.RIP Champ and Rover -- very good and faithful pals, both.

It is quite a difficult thing to remain melancholy in the presence of a friendly (read: hungry) squirrel. This fine fellow (lady?) preened and posed for me in the most charming fashion. All I had on my person was candied ginger, so I kept it to myself. I doubt that squirrels fancy ginger.The visit drew to a close, but not before a bit of wisdom was imparted courtesy of Henry Ford himself:I can think of worse words to live by.

Yesterday I received word that the Handsome Scarf had arrived at his final destination and is now happily living in London. To commemorate this event (and because some of you requested it,) I have decided to release his pattern so that you can make a Handsome Scarf of your own. The best part is that he's absolutely free. Grab hold of him here, on my blog or here on Ravelry.

Now, I'm only calling it a "pattern" because that's just what I'm used to. In all honesty, the Handsome Scarf's pattern is really no pattern at all -- it's just basic striped scarf knit in a farrow rib -- but here it is, regardless. You can't really argue with the price.

Who knows, perhaps this is just the scarf that you (or someone you love) may have been searching for all your life. He is quite handsome.

When I tour museums I always start at the top and work my way down. These days, at the DIA I'm having a hard time making it past the third floor -- that's where the European Decorative Arts collection resides.

I hear some of you asking "What's this Buddha Machine thing, then?" The quick answer is that it's the most lo-fi mp3 player in the world and it is gorgeous in its simplicity and infinity. A better answer is that it's a wee soundbox that plays loops until you turn it off (or the batteries die.) There's a speaker and a couple of switches that allow you to turn it on, cycle through the loops and mess with the volume and pitch. If you'd like to learn more about FM3 and their wonderful device, right this way, please.

Of course, the real magic happens when you get more than one Buddha Machine in the same place at the same time, and it increases exponentially from there. Me? I have five.Infinite loops combining in infinite ways to create any number of spontaneously constructed soundscapes -- each one unique, each one never to be repeated exactly again. It reminds me of nothing so much as when I lived in London, ON and went to see the Nihilist Spasm Band play every Monday night, but without the necessity of earplugs.

Not that I often (if the truth be known, ever,) remembered to bring mine -- I was too busy ensuring I was properly stocked with origami paper. The better to feel the music, my dears.

Last night saw the release of my newest sock pattern, the devilish Socks for Declan. The pattern has assumed the flesh (so to speak) is now happily among us.

Should you wish to allow him to introduce himself, forget about seeking out a suitable deserted crossroads -- just click the wee button above, head over here to Ravelry or take a sharp left and make your way to my Etsy shop.

I love Egyptian blue faience hippos. Some of you are already aware of this.There were blue hippo mittens last year and now there are blue hippo socks in the works. Just give me a chance to tie up a couple more loose ends, first.

In other news, my latest sock pattern, Socks For Declan, will be released this evening.

I'm nearly finished knitting the Socks for Declan (remember them?) Here is the current sock being modelled by Lord Serpentine. Clearly, he approves.This means that the pattern will be out before the week is.

This morning I woke to find that I have a Belgium-shaped hole in my belly. I've put cream and sugar in my tea.When I left that last morning, Brussels was a beautiful shade of grey. I trust it still is.I'm no good at endings.